Road closing for timber activity

NORDMAN — The Priest Lake Ranger District would like to alert the public that Forest Service Road 659, located on the west end of Squaw Valley, on the Priest Lake Ranger District, is temporarily closed this fall and winter due to timber salvage activity.

Salvage operations on this part of the Tower Fire affected area will begin around the second week of September and will continue until completed. Large trucks and heavy equipment use will be constant until winter. Closing of this road also closes access to a very popular quartz crystal collection site. Tim Knight, the Priest Lake District Ranger, advised that he is aware that this is a very popular location, however, public safety is of the utmost importance during the salvage operation, so the decision was made to close access to the site until the salvage is completed.

“Forest Service Road 659 will open to the public immediately after road work and the salvage operations are completed,” Knight said. “We will make another public announcement when that occurs.”

Information: Shoshana Cooper, public affairs officer, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, 208-765-7211